Bitcoin News Today: France’s Far-Right Backs Bitcoin Mining With Surplus Nuclear Power

France’s far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party has proposed a plan to mine Bitcoin using surplus nuclear energy generated by state-owned Électricité de France (EDF) nuclear facilities. The initiative, introduced by RN member Aurélien Lopez-Liguori, seeks to install mining infrastructure at underutilized reactor sites, transforming excess power into digital assets. The plan was reportedly discussed during a visit to the Flamanville nuclear plant by RN leader Marine Le Pen [2]. The party describes the effort as a way to convert wasted electricity into "secure and extremely profitable" digital assets while advancing national economic sovereignty [1][4].

This proposal marks a notable departure from Le Pen’s earlier stance on cryptocurrencies. In 2016, she advocated for a ban on digital currencies in France, warning that the shift from physical to digital money risked alienating individuals from control over their finances. She had framed crypto as a tool benefiting global banking systems at the expense of national interests [6]. However, recent statements from RN leaders suggest a strategic shift, positioning Bitcoin as a means to strengthen economic independence amid global energy and financial trends [3][7].

While the proposal is still in its drafting stage, it highlights the growing intersection between energy policy and cryptocurrency strategy. By leveraging surplus nuclear power for mining, RN aims to align energy efficiency with digital finance, potentially setting a precedent for other nations. The initiative also reflects a broader ideological divide within the party, where some members continue to oppose decentralized finance and favor centralized monetary control [1][9].

The RN’s pivot to supporting Bitcoin mining contrasts with the positions of other French political groups, particularly those concerned with environmental and illicit finance issues. Despite internal disagreements, the party remains the most active in pushing crypto-related legislation, attracting support from entrepreneurs and lobbyists who view it as pro-business [1][4]. The proposal’s future will depend on regulatory approval, technical feasibility, and broader political consensus [9].

Sources:

[1] https://cointelegraph.com/news/rassemblement-national-bitcoin-mining-nuclear-power

[2] https://cryptonews.com/news/frances-far-right-party-plans-bitcoin-mining-with-nuclear-power-after-years-of-crypto-opposition/

[3] https://coinpedia.org/news/france-considers-using-nuclear-power-for-bitcoin-mining/

[4] https://www.btcc.com/en-US/coin-news/market-updates/btcc-crypto-daily-8-4-france-plans-to-mine-bitcoin-with-nuclear-power-btc-etf-sees-first-weekly-outflow-after-7-weeks-of-inflows

[5] https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/08-04-2025-french-far-right-party-proposes-bitcoin-mining-using-nuclear-power-27843488512282

[6] https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/08/04/frances-far-right-eyes-bitcoin-mining-via-nuclear-power/

[7] https://www.coingabbar.com/en/crypto-currency-news/france-bitcoin-mining-nuclear-power-strategy?srsltid=AfmBOoqUFpJAze-THyKuNymiKURcgJTOMdmNSQ8l6IdGYR97YUiRHR45

[8] https://x.com/CryptoIndiaMag/status/1952190300467716174

[9] https://cryptorank.io/news/tag/mining